Warren

Mechanical problems close City Square ice rink in Warren

By Brian Louwers
C & G Staff Writer

The spring thaw isn’t here just yet, but mechanical issues have forced the city of Warren to close down the outdoor ice rink in the Civic Center.

According to Warren Parks and Recreation Director Henry Bowman, a single large fluid leak or a series of leaks underneath the concrete surface of the rink were suspected after a drop in pressure was observed in the system’s pumping system.

“I don’t think we’re looking at huge expenses, whatsoever,” Bowman said of the pending repair. “We’re not 100 percent sure. We believe we have a split in one of the main feed pipes for the brine, which is in the concrete.”

Bowman said the repair would likely take no more than two weeks once the weather improves, including concrete replacement.

“We pretty much operate that (rink) for three months, anyway; Dec. 1 through Feb. 28,” Bowman said. “The reason we do that is just because when March hits, everybody is already thinking spring. There’s a lot less skaters, no matter what we do.”

The park and fountain area were completed seven years ago as part of a construction package that also included the city’s new municipal offices.

Bowman said the fountain at City Square Park would open to the public on Memorial Day weekend. The ice rink is concerted into a splash pad in the summer months that is very popular with families looking to cool off on hot days.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Brian Louwers at brianlouwers@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1089.